New Hampshire is one of the healthiest states in the country, and to help keep it that way the state is blessed with a variety of hospitals charged with sustaining the quality of health for their communities. Hospitals are the capitals of health care for the regions they serve. Although equipped to handle everything from emergency care to diagnostics and surgery, many hospitals focus on special areas of medicine like cancer and heart disease. Many have developed their own centers for medical specialties. Even the smallest hospitals are hubs for private specialists and group practices. They are a perfect starting point for anyone seeking medical treatment or advice.
Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital
10 Alice Peck Day Drive, Lebanon (603) 448-3121 / alicepeckday.org
Since 1932, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD) has been the community hospital of the Upper Valley, delivering high-quality care in a friendly environment where patients come first. Today, APD has more than 95,000 patient encounters from communities throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. Long known for providing personalized care, APD also offers a wide range of services that include orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, pain management, primary and family care, senior care and women’s care. Through APD’s affiliation with Dartmouth Hitchcock in 2016, we affirm our commitment to creating a sustainable health system to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve for generations to come. Bed Count: 25
Androscoggin Valley Hospital
59 Page Hill Road, Berlin (603) 752-2200 / avhnh.org
Androscoggin Valley Hospital is the leading provider of health care to thousands of families in the small-town communities of New Hampshire’s North Country. As a critical access hospital, AVH offers 24/7 emergency care, in-house treatment of most medical issues and an arrangement for treatment of all other problems with the nearest tertiary-care facility. AVH is a communityowned, nonprofit, critical-access hospital that has positioned itself to continue to provide comprehensive, quality medical care for the greater Androscoggin Valley. Bed Count: 25
Catholic Medical Center
100 McGregor St., Manchester (603) 668-3545
catholicmedicalcenter.org
Catholic Medical Center (CMC) is a nonprofit regional health system, with a commitment to delivering the highest quality and most advanced health care to patients across New Hampshire. CMC is the home of the New England Heart & Vascular Institute, listed among Becker’s Hospital Review’s “100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs” for 2016. CMC’s birthing unit, The Mom’s Place, was the first hospital in the state to have a neonatal unit based on “couplet care.” With primary care practices that care for the very young to the young at heart and our dedication to community outreach programs, CMC is helping to foster a healthier community, every day. Bed Count: 330
The unique partnership of a regional medical center and a multispecialty physician practice has resulted in an integrated health system with a clear focus and coordinated approach to providing high-quality services. Cheshire Dartmouth Hitchcock Keene offers primary and specialty care physician services, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, programs for improving the health of the community, preventing illness and treating infirmity.
Bed Count: 169
Concord Hospital
250 Pleasant St., Concord (603) 225-2711 / concordhospital.org
Concord Hospital is a nationally accredited nonprofit health system providing comprehensive acute-care services and programs to residents throughout New Hampshire. Our cornerstone Centers of Excellence for orthopaedics, cancer, cardiac, urology and women’s health reinforce Concord Hospital as a regional health resource for specialized care that consistently provides unprecedented diagnoses, treatment and support for more than 40 medical specialties. Bed Count: 295
Cottage Hospital
90 Swiftwater Road, Suite 2, Woodsville (603) 747-9000 / cottagehospital.org
For 110 years, Cottage Hospital has served the residents of the Upper Connecticut Valley. Today, Cottage Hospital is a thoroughly modern, 25-bed, criticalaccess hospital that has been recognized for providing exemplary care. Staffed by just over 250 employees, 37 medical staff providers and dozens of dedicated volunteers, Cottage Hospital offers low-cost, high-quality health care by using creativity and common sense, and by keeping an eye to the future as well as the present. Bed Count: 35
Crotched Mountain Specialty Hospital is a post-acute facility for pediatric and adult patients who require acute and sub-acute rehabilitation following injuries and other complex medical conditions including traumatic brain injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, ventilator management, and weaning and wound care. Bed Count: 62
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon (603) 650-5000 / (603) 650-8034 dartmouth-hitchcock.org
Dartmouth Hitchcock Health (DHH) is New Hampshire’s only academic health system and the state’s largest private employer, serving a population of 1.9 million across northern New England. DHH provides access to more than 2,400 providers in almost every area of medicine, delivering care at its flagship hospital, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon. DHMC was named again in 2020 as the No. 1 hospital in New Hampshire by U.S. News & World Report, and recognized for high performance in nine clinical specialties and procedures. Dartmouth Hitchcock Health also includes the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, one of only 51 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation; the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock, the state’s only children’s hospital; affiliated member hospitals in Lebanon, Keene, New London and Windsor, Vt., and Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire; and 24 Dartmouth Hitchcock clinics that provide ambulatory services across New Hampshire and Vermont. The DHH system trains nearly 400 residents and fellows annually, and performs world-class research in partnership with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vt. Bed Count: 460
Elliot Hospital
1 Elliot Way, Manchester (603) 669-5300 / elliothospital.org
Elliot Health System is a nonprofit organization serving the needs of the community since 1890. The largest provider of comprehensive health care services in Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Hospital, a 296-bed, acute-care facility and the first community hospital in the state, serves as the cornerstone of the health system. Elliot is home to Manchester’s designated Regional Trauma Center, Elliot Breast Health Center, Elliot Urgent Care, a Level-3 Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Elliot Physician Network, Elliot Regional Cancer Center, Elliot Senior Health Center, Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Health System/Dartmouth Hitchcock 1-Day Surgery Center, Elliot Memory & Mobility Center, NH Arthritis Center, Elliot Retail Pharmacy, Elliot Medical Centers in Londonderry and Hooksett, and The Elliot at River’s Edge. Bed Count: 296
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital 254 Pleasant St., Concord (603) 226-9800 encompasshealth.com/concordrehab
Formerly HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Concord provides a higher level of comprehensive services designed to return patients to leading active, independent lives. Accredited by the Joint Commission for meeting or exceeding their
Specialty hospitals are highlighted in red
national standards of quality and safety, Encompass Health specializes in stroke, orthopedic, spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation utilizing intensive, customdesigned occupational, physical and speech therapy programs coupled with specialized nursing care. Bed Count: 50
Exeter Health Resources is comprised of three affiliates: Exeter Hospital, Core Physicians and Rockingham Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) & Hospice. Exeter Hospital is a 100-bed community hospital with comprehensive services in breast health, cardiovascular, orthopedics, emergency care, the Family Center, the Center for Cancer Care with Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center physicians and more. Core Physicians is a patient-centered group practice offering primary care, pediatrics annd other specialty services at locations throughout the Seacoast area. Rockingham VNA & Hospice provides high-quality home care, hospice and community outreach programs in the greater Seacoast area. Bed Count: 100
Concord Hospital – Franklin
15 Aiken Ave., Franklin (603) 934-2060 / concordhospital.org
Concord Hospital in Franklin is a criticalaccess community hospital, offering a range of medical, surgical, specialty, diagnostic, as well as therapeutic services, wellness education, support groups and other community outreach services. Bed Count: 25
Frisbie Memorial Hospital has provided quality health care services to the greater Rochester community for over 80 years. By creating space for new services, programs, and the latest diagnostic and surgical technology available, they are committed to meeting the ever-changing health care needs of those communities they serve. Bed Count: 112
Hampstead Hospital
218 East Road, Hampstead (603) 329-5311 / hampsteadhospital.com
Built in 1974, Hampstead Hospital was the first private psychiatric hospital licensed by the State of New Hampshire. The 100-acre landscaped grounds are a fully accredited private, specialty hospital serving the psychiatric and chemical dependency needs of patients and their families throughout the area. Bed Count: 111
Huggins Hospital
240 S. Main St., Wolfeboro (603) 569-7500 / hugginshospital.org
Huggins Hospital is a nonprofit community hospital that endeavors to offer the best of two worlds: the warmth and friendliness of a small town and the technical expertise of modern medicine. Huggins provides medical services to a year-round population of 30,000 residents and approximately 120,000 seasonal residents and visitors who come from all over the world to enjoy the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Bed Count: 25
Nestled in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire is Concord Hospital – Laconia,
a nonprofit health care charitable trust representing Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH) and Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH). It is a comprehensive provider network with a broad array of services and programs. Bed Count: 137
Littleton Regional Healthcare
600 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton (603) 444-9000 / littletonhealthcare.org
Little Regional Hospital values integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence. It has made significant improvements, including expanding the campus and adding the latest in technology. More importantly, they have increased specialty services provided by highly skilled physicians and clinicians. LRH continues to work hard to meet the growing health care needs of those they serve.
Bed Count: 25
Memorial Hospital
3073 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway (603) 356-4949 / memorialhospitalnh.org
Since 1911, Memorial Hospital has served with distinction all the critical access and health care needs of the Mt. Washington Valley community. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency room, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health and wellness programs, family birthing center, sleep center, wound care and hyperbaric medicine center. Bed Count: 25
Monadnock Community Hospital
452 Old Street Road, Peterborough (603) 924-7191 monadnockcommunityhospital.com
In 1919, Robert M. Parmelee donated his summer home in Peterborough for use as a community hospital, and in 1923 “The Peterborough Hospital” opened its doors. Now known as Monadnock Community Hospital, its physicians and staff offer extensive services utilizing state-of-theart technology while maintaining the personalized care of a community hospital.
Bed Count: 25
New Hampshire Hospital
36 Clinton St., Concord (603) 271-5300
dhhs.state.nh.us/dcbcs/nhh
New Hampshire Hospital (NHH) is a stateoperated, publicly funded hospital providing a range of specialized psychiatric services. NHH provides acute treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and elders with severe mental illness. NHH advocates for and provides services that support an individual’s recovery. Bed Count: N/A
New London Hospital
273 County Road, New London (603) 526-2911 / newlondonhospital.org
New London Hospital is a rural community hospital with a long-term extended care center dedicated to serving the Lake Sunapee region. Also a critical-access hospital, NLH shares an established relationship with a tertiary care hospital, met by a collaborative agreement with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Bed Count: 25
Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network
70 Butler St., Salem (603) 893-2900 / northeastrehab.com
Since opening its flagship location in Salem in 1984, Northeast Rehab has added three more acute rehabilitation hospitals located in Nashua, Portsmouth and Manchester.
Additionally, the network includes over 20 outpatient centers, a home care division, a sports medicine division, an outpatient pediatric division and many other services for those in need of rehabilitation. The leader of that effort, Howard Gardner, M.D., was an Army neurosurgeon who had seen firsthand the benefits rehabilitation was offering wounded soldiers. Returning to the Merrimack Valley and establishing a neuroscience practice, New England Neurological Associates, Dr. Gardner and his associates set out to build the first free-standing acute rehabilitation hospital in New Hampshire. Bed Count: 150
Parkland Medical Center serves southern New Hampshire with comprehensive, personalized medical care around the clock. Partnerships with The Lahey Hospital & Medical Center and the New England Heart and Vascular Institute bring specialized medicine by highly skilled physicians, innovative approaches to treatment and advanced technology to their patients. Bed Count: 86
Since the late 1800s, Portsmouth Regional has been delivering compassionate medical, surgical and mental health services with a tradition of exceptional responsiveness, patient satisfaction and community involvement. Portsmouth achieves high honors for quality patient care and holds several prestigious accreditations. Bed Count: 234
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center began as an eight-bed emergency hospital in 1893 and has grown to an acute-care facility that retains the personal touch of a traditional community hospital. As a clinical affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital, SNHH provides its patients with access to collaborative programs in pediatric specialties, cancer care, trauma and the management of stroke. Bed Count: 188
From humble beginnings as a soldiers’ and sailors’ hospital to being nationally recognized as one of the best community hospitals, Speare Memorial Hospital is a 100,000-square-foot, critical-access hospital adjacent to Plymouth State University. It strives to be a leader in helping the communities of central New Hampshire achieve optimal health. Bed Count: 25
St. Joseph Hospital 172 Kinsley St., Nashua (603) 882-3000 / stjosephhospital.com
St. Joseph Health is a regional fullservice health care system comprising St. Joseph Hospital, founded in 1908, and a large multispecialty physician group practice serving the greater Nashua area, western New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. The organization provides high-quality, compassionate care that
contributes to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of its community. St. Joseph Hospital, with 208 beds, is a designated Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, a Top Performer, and leads the way in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Its extensive physician practice network is recognized for outstanding quality measures and personalized, patient-centered care.
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital strives to improve the well-being of the rural communities it serves by promoting health and assuring access to quality care. Presiding over the nurses station, an etched portrait of Dr. William H. Gifford, considered to be the founding father, hangs with the inscription that he was “a man of magic, medicine and miracles.” Bed Count: 16
Valley Regional Healthcare
243 Elm St., Claremont (603) 542-7771 / vrh.org
As well as a critical-access hospital, Valley Regional Healthcare professionals are available to address cardiac care, childbirth, health care careers, hospital services, pediatric/child care tips, weight control and more. VRH also coordinates hospital tours and other programs for local organizations. The hospital offers these informational programs free of charge as a community service. Bed Count: 25
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
718 Smyth Road, Manchester (603) 624-4366 / manchester.va.gov
Honoring America’s veterans with quality health care services, part of the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Manchester has expanded acute inpatient contract care at Concord Hospital. Bed Count: N/A
Weeks Medical Center’s caring and compassionate staff is committed to providing the highest quality and efficient health care services to the communities of New Hampshire’s North Country with satellite physicians offices in the towns of Whitefield, Groveton, North Stratford and Lancaster. Bed Count: 25
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
789 Central Ave., Dover (603) 742-5252 / wdhospital.com
Conceived on March 15, 1904, WentworthDouglass Hospital is an acute-care hospital in the Seacoast region. In 1982, it became the first Seacoast hospital to be designated as a trauma center and incorporated as a nonprofit community hospital. Today, it is one of the largest acute-care hospitals in the Seacoast region. Bed Count: 178
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY
AI Features Transform Health Care in New Hampshire
BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS
Digital technology and artificial intelligence are among the new modalities bringing advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options to New Hampshire hospitals. These allow health care providers to identify and treat cancer and other diseases earlier, leading to more effective and less invasive treatments for patients — closer to home.
For example, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover is the second institution in the United States to bring a stateof-the-art positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scanner to its facility, doubling its daily scan capacity. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, a member of Dartmouth Health, is the first hospital in the region to use the da Vinci SP robotic surgery platform to treat head and neck cancers, increasing surgical precision and reducing complications and hospitalization time for patients. By adopting these platforms, New Hampshire hospitals are improving patient outcomes and boosting the efficiency of certain procedures. These advancements mark a significant step toward more personalized and precise health care for patients by offering earlier diagnoses and less invasive treatment options that can lead to faster recovery.
These
advancements
mark a significant step toward more personalized and precise health care for patients
.
“You can noninvasively look at a patient’s body and see exactly where a cancer is.”
—DR. PEDRAM HEIDARI
HIGH-RESOLUTION, AI-POWERED PET/CT SCANNERS OFFER GREATER PRECISION AND COMFORT
Doctors at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital say the hospital’s new PET/CT unit will increase its clinical capabilities in oncology and neurology. It will also begin offering cardiac PET/ CT imaging, now the preferred diagnostic tool for determining whether a patient has diminished blood supply (ischemia).
According to Kevin Sweeney, director of imaging services at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, the hospital system collaborated with Siemens Healthineers to bring an FDA-approved PET/ CT scanner to Dover. The technology is so new that it hasn’t been released to the general health care market yet. Sweeney says the scanner’s digital detector technology allows for higher sensitivity and resolution, allowing providers to produce much higher-quality images faster.
“The investment in this type of technology reflects Mass General Brigham’s commitment to not only increasing access to care on the Seacoast, but to ensuring that care is of the highest quality,” he says. “This scanner will allow us to care for more patients, more quickly, with some of the best technology available.”
PET scanning, or positron emission tomography, has been used to diagnose and monitor various diseases since the 1980s. PET is a nuclear imaging modality that requires health care providers to inject a radioactive tracer into a patient’s body to capture images that can help them detect cancer, heart disease and neurological conditions, often before symptoms manifest. Combination PET/CT scanners can also take a regular CT scan to combine both imaging technologies, without requiring a patient to receive tests on two different machines.
PET scanning has transformed cancer care over the past decade, says Dr. Pedram Heidari, service chief of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging at Massachusetts Gener-
al Hospital, who helped bring the PET/CT unit to Wentworth-Douglass.
“I remember when I went to medical school, and we had to open up patients to do what they called surgical staging for cancer,” Heidari says. “This PET has changed that, because now you can noninvasively look at a patient’s body and see exactly where a cancer is metastasizing and develop a plan to treat those patients.”
The new system also features improved image quality generated with a lower radiation dose, artificial intelligence-powered workflows for greater operational efficiency, and increased energy efficiency when compared to traditional scanners.
Pedram explains that this particular Siemens scanner model has a number of AI tools built into it that allow for more precise images and shorter scans — and is the first of its kind to self-correct for cardiovascular imaging. Often, providers must redo scans if patients move during the procedure, lengthening the time of the procedure. The AI tools built into this new scanner can automatically correct for patient motion.
“Previously, you had to wait to correct it with software and look at the motion of the heart, breathing and other things. Here, it’s already built into the system,” he says. “So no matter how much a patient moves or breathes, it just corrects for it.”
The scanner is owned exclusively by Wentworth-Douglass, whereas many hospitals share their mobile PET/CT equipment with other hospitals, lengthening the amount of time it can take to get images, according to Sweeney. The greater availability of this new technology means shorter wait times for patients and enhanced comfort through features such as personalized ambient mood lighting.
“Patients who are claustrophobic feel much more comfortable being there for a very short period of time with lighting that is actually soothing to them and can help them tolerate a scan that used to take an hour, but takes closer to 15 minutes,” he says.
ROBOTIC SURGERY IMPROVES HEAD AND NECK CANCER OUTCOMES
Thanks to the Da Vinci robotic SP surgery system, Dartmouth surgeons can now perform complex procedures to treat head and neck cancers with greater precision, flexibility and control through a minimally invasive approach. The single-port robotic surgery platform allows surgeons to perform surgeries with minimal intrusion to tissue surrounding the tumor. Robotic surgery is already being used at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) to treat cancers of the lung, esophagus, prostate, uterus and kidney, among others.
“It’s a game-changer for us,” says Dr. Joseph A. Paydarfar, who heads the Otolaryngology, Audiology and Maxillofacial surgery section at DHMC and is a member of the Head & Neck Cancer Program at Dartmouth Cancer Center.
“This system will increase surgical options for patients with benign and malignant tumors of the throat and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for other treatments,” says Paydarfar, who is also a professor of surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and has been performing robotic surgeries for nearly 15 years.
Head and neck cancers account for about 4% of all cancers in the United States. Traditional surgical treatments require an “open approach” to removing tumors, which may include splitting a patient’s jaw in order to get to the back of the throat, increasing the complexity of the operation, complication risks and length of hospital stay, Paydarfar says.
The Da Vinci SP robotic system uses a 3-D high-definition endoscope for more accurate visualization. It includes robotic manipulator arms with a greater range of motion than the human hand. Operating the robotic system, surgeons can reach a throat tumor by threading a single tube, or cannula, through the mouth down to the tumor. Instead of standing over a patient, an operating surgeon sits at a console next to the patient and uses precise control to manipulate two tiny instructions while viewing the surgical area through a high-definition magnified camera.
“Given this minimally invasive approach, we not only are able to reduce the extent surgery required to remove the tumor but also additional procedures that are needed such as tracheostomies, reconstructive surgeries and feeding tubes,” Paydarfar says. “By establishing clean margins, in many cases, we are then able to reduce or eliminate the need for additional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.”
This robotic approach reduces surgery duration by more than half, reduces the size of the surgical team, and can reduce a patient’s hospital stay from two weeks down to three or four days, he says.
“DHMC is the only hospital in the region to offer this new and unique robotic system to enhance the treatment of head and neck cancer,” says Stacey M. Cosco, DNP, DHMC’s vice president for perioperative and surgical services. “This new capacity will allow our patients to receive care close to home and decrease their recovery time from surgery.” ●
“ This system will increase surgical options for patients with benign and malignant tumors of the throat and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for other treatments
—DR. JOSEPH A. PAYDARFAR
“No one person knows everything and can give you the best care. But I think you have a better chance at a positive outcome when you have a team like this.”
TEAM-BASED CARDIAC CARE
“It makes me feel very comfortable knowing that so many people are working together on my particular condition. I know they are looking at all the options before recommending a specific treatment or plan.”
MODEL BENEFITS PATIENTS HERE AT HOME AND BEYOND
Dartmouth Health experts publish a paper on successful Heart Team models that enhance care for people with complex cardiovascular conditions.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a complex cardiovascular condition, having access to the best treatment recommendations from a team of experts can help to ensure
that you receive critical, lifesaving care.
At Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Center, Heart Team experts take a collaborative approach to patient care across all aspects of cardiovascular medicine.
“When you come to us for cardiovascular care, you won’t receive your care from only one specialist,” shares Michael N. Young, M.D., director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, the Structural Heart Disease Program, and Pulmonary Embolism Response Team at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. “Instead, you’ll be surrounded and supported by a team of experts in several cardiac subspecialties. Our team will review your case together and develop a recommended treatment plan based on the expert opinions of multiple physicians.”
According to Dr. Young, this collaborative care reassures patients, encourages shared decision-making between patients and their care team, and ultimately leads to an optimized experience focused on improved outcomes — particularly for patients with serious cardiac conditions.
The Heart Team Model at Dartmouth Health
To address the needs of our communities, the Heart and Vascular Center has created several multidisciplinary Heart Teams, including:
• Brain Heart Team for Stroke Prevention
• Cardio-Obstetrics Team
• Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT)
• Structural Heart and Valve Disease Team
• Complex Coronary Revascularization Team
Reference: Lee C, Tully A, Fang JC, Sugeng L, Elmariah S, Grubb KJ, Young MN. Building and Optimizing the Interdisciplinary Heart Team. Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, Volume 2, Issue 6, 101067.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FOCUSED CARE
DENTAL IMPLANTS
BY NEW HAMPSHIRE ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
The smile. It’s a universal symbol of warmth, friendliness and confidence. But what happens when a missing tooth disrupts this picture-perfect expression? Thankfully, modern dentistry has a solution that not only restores lost teeth but also rejuvenates self-assurance and quality of life: dental implants. In this article, we embark on a journey through the art and science of dental implants, exploring how these remarkable innovations are changing the face of tooth replacement.
The Rise of Dental Implants
Dental implants have transcended the boundaries of conventional dentistry, bringing hope and transformation to countless lives. Unlike traditional bridges and removable dentures, dental implants offer a permanent and aesthetic solution that feels and functions like natural teeth. This remarkable advancement in dental science has revolutionized the way we approach tooth replacement.
The Implant Process Unveiled
At the heart of the dental implant procedure lies a meticulous process that combines artistry and precision:
1. Consultation and Planning:
The journey begins with an in-depth consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This phase involves a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, determining your suitability for the procedure, and designing a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
2. Implant Placement:
The next step is a surgical procedure during which a small, biocompatible implant is gently and precisely placed into the jawbone. This implant acts as a durable and stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
3. Healing and Integration:
Over the course of several months, a process known as osseointegration occurs. The implant gradually fuses with the jawbone, creating a solid and unshakeable bond. This fusion ensures the implant’s stability and long-term success. At this point, you will receive a temporary tooth until the final restoration.
4. Restoration:
The final touch is the attachment of your custom-made crown to the implant placed by your general dentist. Crafted to match the color, shape and size of your natural teeth, the crown blends seamlessly with your smile, achieving an incredibly lifelike appearance.
The Transformational Impact
For individuals who have experienced the life-changing effects of dental implants, the results extend far beyond aesthetics:
• Restored Confidence: Dental implants empower individuals to smile, laugh and speak confidently, shedding the burden of self-consciousness.
• Improved Oral Health: By preventing bone loss and preserving the integrity of neighboring teeth, dental implants promote long-term oral health.
• Effortless Functionality: Eating favorite foods without restrictions becomes a reality, as dental implants provide a stable and comfortable chewing surface.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Beyond aesthetics, dental implants significantly enhance overall well-being by ensuring better health and restoring the joy of a complete smile.
Looking to the Future
The world of dental implants continues to evolve. Innovations such as same-day implants and computer-guided implant placement are
paving the way for faster, more precise and even more accessible tooth replacement options.
Dental implants are more than just a solution to missing teeth; they are a testament to the marriage of art and science in modern dentistry. If you or someone you know is facing the challenges of tooth loss, consider the transformative power of dental implants. Embrace the artistry of a confident smile, and experience the science behind a brighter, more joyful future. Call NHOMS at 1-800-NEWSMILE to schedule your consultation. With seven locations throughout New Hampshire, their expert surgeons will get you the smile you deserve. ●
What you should know about New Hampshire’s breast cancer rates
New Hampshire is known for a lot of things — natural beauty, places to hike and ski, and even kitschy but lovable Hampton Beach. Less well-known is New Hampshire’s high breast cancer incidence rate, which is second (after Rhode Island) of all the states in the country, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
BY KAREN A. JAMROG
All of New England ranks high for the number of new breast cancer cases per year. But when it comes to the number of breast cancer deaths per year, New Hampshire does much better, landing at 42nd in the nation. In case you’re curious, among the New England states, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island have fewer breast cancer deaths than New Hampshire.
The seemingly contradictory numbers of new cases versus deaths “are a mix of good news and bad news,” says Jessica Ryan, M.D., FACS, medical director of the Catholic Medical Center Breast Care Center and NH state chair of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. “We don’t want the New Hampshire (incidence) rate to be so high,” she says, “but we do not know why that rate is significantly higher than other states.” Some people have posited that it’s caused by radon — a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that emanates from the state’s copious amount of granite. “But we really don’t know what is driving that higher rate,” Ryan says.
This is true of breast cancer in general; in most instances, its exact cause is not known. But lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer are known, and it seems that a number of New Hampshire residents are either not aware of the everyday choices that elevate their risk of developing breast cancer, or they are not mindful of their habits. When it comes to obesity, smoking and alcohol, for example, “people often don’t make a connection with breast cancer,” Ryan says. “They think smoking causes lung cancer — and it does — but in fact, it is a major risk factor for breast cancer.”
Similarly, people tend to associate excessive alcohol consumption mainly with liver disease, but it is also linked with breast cancer. Doctors typically tell patients that drinking
New Hampshire’s breast cancer incidence rate is second of all the states in the country.
in moderation is considered safe, with moderate consumption usually defined for women as one drink per day.
“People think, ‘That’s about what I have, because I only have one drink every night,’” Ryan says, but in reality, “people pour themselves a glass while they’re making dinner, then they top it off and maybe have a little more after dinner, and in the end, they end up having much more than they think.”
Ryan also notes that many women think they’re somewhat invulnerable to breast cancer because they do not have a family history of the disease, but more than 75% of diagnosed cases of breast cancer occur in women with no family history.
As for the good news of New Hampshire’s relatively low breast cancer death rate, Ryan credits screening efforts in the state. “Earlier detection is better,” she says. “There’s a 99% survival rate at five years (after diagnosis) if you catch it early.”
Of course, there is still room for improvement when it comes to screening, and there is a continued need to dispel the misinformation that circulates online and in social media.
“There are a lot of myths and fear mongering,” Ryan says. Along with complaints about the uncomfortable squishing that comes with mammograms, Ryan hears many women cite radiation exposure as a reason they want to avoid them.
Today’s mammogram machines involve very small doses of radiation — roughly equivalent to what you get if you take one cross-country flight.
Ryan urges women to put the small dose of radiation and temporary discomfort that accompany mammograms into perspective and to consider those drawbacks against the potentially lifesaving benefits of mammography. ●
“ There’s a 99 % survival rate at five years if you catch it early. ”
—JESSICA RYAN, M.D.
THE LATEST ON MAMMOGRAMS
If you are confused by what feels like ever-changing recommendations regarding breast cancer screening, you are not alone. Guidelines vary among health organizations. Earlier this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed its previous recommendations to now advise that all women, ages 40 through 74, get screened for breast cancer every other year.
However, “every doctor-driven, major cancer-related organization recommends annual screening” for women of average risk starting at age 40, says Jessica Ryan, M.D., FACS, medical director of the Catholic Medical Center Breast Care Center and NH state chair of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Beginning annual mammograms at the age of 40 is widely believed to be crucial to safeguarding women’s health.
“When breast cancer occurs in younger women,” Ryan says, “it tends to be more aggressive, so it’s all the more important to catch it early.”
DARTMOUTH RESEARCHERS VISUALIZE SURGERIES WITH
FEWER SIDE EFFECTS
Acollaborative team of Dartmouth engineers, Dartmouth Cancer Center researchers and clinicians, led by Associate Professor Kimberley Samkoe, Ph.D., is one of nine announced by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to receive up to $31.3 million through its Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program for their work in surgical image
guidance. The team will combine their worldclass expertise in multiple area specialties to help surgeons avoid damage to critical normal structures during tumor removal to achieve fewer debilitating side effects. To do that, the team will use fluorescence and optical property imaging to accurately determine the depth of nerves and blood vessels surrounding the prostate. These imaging modalities will be integrated into
a Da Vinci robot surgical laparoscope to enable real-time visualization of critical structure depth for surgeons during minimally invasive, nerve-sparing radical prostatectomies.
Prostate cancer is highly relevant in our area, with numerous surgeries done at the Cancer Center each year. The Dartmouth team chose to focus on this cancer to reduce the rate of detrimental side effects that many patients experience by creating a new imaging solution that will be especially helpful in surgical treatment of this cancer. The goal is to have a commercialized product at the end of the funding period that has been shown to provide real-time depth imaging seamlessly integrated into the surgeon work console, such that surgery can proceed without disruption. This capability is currently not possible. ●
Associate Professor of Engineering Kimberley Samkoe, Ph.D. (right) with Laboratory Manager Sassan Hodge (center) and Program Manager Sarah McDonald, Ph.D. (left)
CONCORD HOSPITAL HEALTH SYSTEM
A MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OPTION FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Concord Hospital Health System is the first medical institution in the State of New Hampshire to offer a new, FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment option for men diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, is an incision-free procedure that destroys prostate cancer tissue using high frequency sound waves.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. In 2023, over 1,400 men in New Hampshire were diagnosed with prostate cancer and approximately 170 died from the disease. Traditional treatments for prostate cancer include surgical removal of the prostate gland and radiation therapy. Although effective, these therapies are known to cause side effects in many men, including erectile dysfunction and urinary leakage. As such, new treatment options that limit potentially life-long side effects are needed.
HIFU is a “targeted” or “focal” therapy that precisely treats only
the area of the prostate gland that contains cancer cells, while leaving the rest of the prostate and surrounding structures unharmed. As a result, the risk of life-limiting side effects is significantly reduced when compared to traditional treatments. HIFU is an outpatient or “day” procedure with a short recovery time, which can be advantageous for many patients and families. There are also no incision or stiches to care for. In fact, most men can return to general activity 1 to 2 days after treatment.
Although relatively new in prostate cancer, the concept of focal therapy for other types of cancer is not. For example, focal therapy (i.e. cryotherapy or thermal ablation) is a routinely accepted management strategy in kidney cancer, where only the cancerous tissue is treated, leaving the surrounding healthy kidney tissue intact. So, what has changed to make focal therapy an option for prostate cancer now? Three things: 1) improvements in prostate gland imaging with MRI, which allows physicians to locate tumors and
understand their boundaries, 2) a better understanding of tumor biology and how aggressive a patient’s prostate cancer is, and 3) a growing appreciation that healthcare providers need to continue to work to reduce patient side effects and improve cancer patient quality of life, while still achieving excellent cancer control.
“It is important to note that not all men are candidates for HIFU,” said Michael E. Rezaee, MD, MPH, of the Urologic Institute at Concord Hospital Health System. “A highly aggressive tumor, tumor location, history of inflammatory bowel disease, presence of a urethral stricture, and prior rectal surgery are some of the reasons why HIFU may not be the right treatment option for some.”
HIFU patients will also need to be monitored closely after surgery with repeat imaging and prostate biopsy. Overall, surgical removal of the prostate gland and radiation therapy will remain the standard of care for most men diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, HIFU presents an exciting, minimally invasive treatment option with minimal side effects for the properly selected patient.
A comprehensive team of urologists with extensive expertise in urological oncology, prostate cancer, and focal therapy are available at Concord Hospital Health System. For more information, please call (603) 225-2711 or visit www.concordhospital.org.●
Michael E. Rezaee, MD, MPH, of the Urologic Institute at Concord Hospital Health System TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.CONCORDHOSPITAL.ORG
BY SOLUTION HEALTH
EMBRACING INNOVATION:
ELLIOT HEALTH SYSTEM LEVERAGES AI TO ENHANCE PATIENT CARE
As the health care industry continues to evolve, health care providers like Elliot Hospital are embracing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform patient care. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy to streamlining administrative tasks, AI is proving to be a game-changer, allowing physicians to spend more time where it matters most: with their patients.
Using AI for Enhanced Patient Care
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an integral part of health care, providing solutions that enable physicians to work more efficiently and effectively. Dr. Holly Mintz, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Elliot Medical Group Ambulatory Services, highlights the impact of AI on patient care: “AI is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for change in how we deliver care. By automating routine tasks and offering insights that were previously unattainable, AI allows us to focus on delivering personalized and attentive care to our patients. Importantly, streamlining administrative tasks also helps our providers maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
Many providers at Elliot Health
System are now using the Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX), an innovative AI tool that securely captures office visit interactions and converts them into notes. This technology lets providers engage fully with patients without the burden of real-time documentation, enabling them to focus on the patient instead of paperwork.
AI-powered tools are now capable of analyzing vast amounts of data, from medical images to electronic health records (EHR), with remarkable speed and accuracy while ensuring patient privacy. This fall, Elliot Health System will launch an AI program to track incidental findings on chest exams, ensuring timely follow-ups for patients. These AI algorithms can detect patterns in imaging scans that might be missed by the human eye, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Connecting Patients and Providers with AI
AI is also enhancing the way patients and health care providers stay connected between visits. AI-driven platforms and applications are empowering patients to manage their health more proactively while keeping their doctors informed in real-time.
“AI has opened up new avenues for continuous care,” says Dr. Mintz. “Through AI-powered apps and wearable devices, we can monitor patients’ health remotely, detect potential issues before they escalate, and intervene in a timely manner. This technology allows us to provide a level of care that was once unimaginable.”
Wearable devices, equipped with AI, can track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels, providing real-time data that can be shared with health care providers. AI algorithms can then analyze this data to identify trends and alert both the patient and the physician if something requires attention. Similarly, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can help patients manage medication schedules and log symptoms.
The Future of AI in Patient-Centered Care
As Elliot Health System continues to integrate AI into its health care delivery, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes and personalizing care. Dr. Mintz envisions a future where AI and human expertise work hand in hand: “The patient-provider relationship is always a priority. AI will never replace the human element in health care, but it will undoubtedly enhance it. By leveraging AI, we can make more informed decisions, spend more quality time with our patients, improve the quality of life of our providers, and ultimately provide better care.”
The adoption of AI in health care marks a significant step toward a more efficient, patient-centered approach. The future of patient care looks brighter than ever. ●
Learn more about Dr. Holly Mintz at : ELLIOTHOSPITAL.ORG/MINTZ
We Care For You at The Elliot
We Care For You at The Elliot
As the largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Health System is here for you at every stage of life. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your individual needs.
As the largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Health System is here for you at every stage of life. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your individual needs.
Home to Manchester’s designated Level II Regional Trauma Center and the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Elliot offers advanced care for every patient.
Home to Manchester’s designated Level II Regional Trauma Center and the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Elliot offers advanced care for every patient.
Discover exceptional care, world-class innovation, and a compassionate team you can trust at The Elliot.
Discover exceptional care, world-class innovation, and a compassionate team you can trust at The Elliot.
Begin Your Journey to a Healthier You Today!
Begin Your Journey to a Healthier You Today!
Scan the QR code or visit ElliotHospital.org to learn more about our services.
Scan the QR code or visit ElliotHospital.org to learn more about our services.
Your Partner in Comprehensive Care
At Southern New Hampshire Health, we’re dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community. With us, you’ll receive a higher level of care—one that is backed by the expertise and commitment of our exceptional team.
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
Our 188-bed facility in downtown Nashua offers comprehensive services tailored to your needs.
Foundation Medical Partners
Our highly experienced providers deliver primary and specialty care services throughout southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Immediate Care
Our four convenient locations offer walk-in services 7 days a week for prompt care when you need it most.
Join Us Today!
Let Southern New Hampshire Health be your partner in health, working together to create a healthier future for you and your family. Scan the QR code or visit snhhealth.org for more information.
ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
ENHANCES PRECISION AND SAFETY AT SOUTHERN NH MEDICAL CENTER
Dr. Tung Nguyen of Foundation
Neurosurgery is the first surgeon in northern New England to use the Airo® TruCT®, a cutting-edge technology now being implemented in precision neurosurgical procedures at Southern NH Medical Center. He explains the benefits of this technology to patients and how Foundation Neurosurgery is leveraging it to revolutionize precise neurosurgical procedures.
Question: What is the Stryker Airo TruCT?
Airo TruCT is a mobile medical imaging device that provides high-quality 3D scans of a patient’s body, much like a traditional CT (computed tomography) scanner, but with the added convenience of being portable. This means that instead of moving a patient to a dedicated scanning room, the device can be brought directly to the patient, even during surgery. It helps doctors see detailed images of bones, tissues and organs in real time, allowing for more precise and safer medical procedures.
Question: What advantages does it offer over traditional CT scanners in neurosurgical procedures?
We can now perform real-time, high-quality CT scans during spine and brain surgeries to boost visibility and accuracy, with the goal
of improving patient outcomes. The new CT technology provides innovative surgical imaging capabilities to patients. With Airo TruCT, Southern NH Health surgeons can scan up to a meter of the spine in as little as 43 seconds. I have experienced improved visibility and responsiveness during surgery with Airo TruCT. The technology provides more information for decision-making during surgery and the ability to perform some procedures in less time. In addition, the technology is mobile, making it more flexible for our space.
Question: In what types of neurosurgical cases do you find the Stryker Airo TruCT to be most beneficial?
Cases where accurate placement of hardware or probes/ catheters would benefit from this technology. These cases include lumbar, thoracic and cervical fusions, sacroiliac joint fusions, placement of intracranial catheters and shunts.
Question: How does using the Airo TruCT affect patient safety during neurosurgical procedures?
Once CT images are obtained, we can use a computer navigation system to accurately place hardware or implants to avoid
important structures such as nerves and blood vessels.
Question: Have you observed any differences in patient recovery times or overall outcomes when using the Airo TruCT compared to traditional imaging methods?
The technology helps with patient outcomes, as it has the potential to reduce complication rates and shorten recovery times.
Question: What kind of training is required for surgeons and operating room staff to effectively use the Airo TruCT?
Surgeons have access to training in a Stryker facility using cadavers. Once installed, surgeons and operating room staff have hands-on training with the scanner and computer navigation software on plastic models in the actual operating room.
Question: Do other hospitals in our area use Airo TruCT?
Southern NH Medical Center is the first hospital in northern New
England to offer Stryker Airo TruCT mobile imaging technology to its patients.
Question: Can you provide an example of a patient where the Airo TruCT significantly improved surgical outcomes?
I recently used Airo TruCT with a patient who has had previous back surgery, where there is hardware and abnormal altered pathology that makes identification of “normal” anatomy impossible. TruCT images allowed for easy identification of relevant bony structures for safe placement of hardware.
The technology would also be useful with a patient who is undergoing sacroiliac joint fusion. Previously this was done with fluoroscopy. Depending on the patient’s body, the relevant anatomy might be difficult to see. Having a CT scan at the time of surgery would show the anatomy clearly for surgery. ●
For more information about the comprehensive, specialized treatments offered by Foundation Neurosurgery, visit: SNHHEALTH.ORG/NEUROSURGERY
Laconia Clinic Convenience Care 724 Main St., Laconia (603) 527-2896 / lrgh.org
St. Joseph Urgent Care Milford 444 Nashua St., Milford (603) 673-5623 stjosephhospital.com
MinuteClinic (at CVS)
4 Hall St., Concord 321 Lafayette Road, Hampton 271 Mammoth Road, Manchester 214 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua 512 South Broadway, Salem 250 Plainfield Road, West Lebanon (866) 389-2727 for all locations cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinics/ New-Hampshire
Newport Health Center
11 John Stark Hwy., Newport (603) 863-4100 / newlondonhospital.org
Parkland Urgent Care at Salem 31 Stiles Road, Salem (603) 890-2727 parklandmedicalcenter.com
264 Pleasant St., Concord 14 Tsienneto Road, Suite 100, Derry (603) 224-3368 concordortho.com
Portsmouth Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center 333 Borthwick Ave., Suite 200 Portsmouth (603) 433-0941 prasc.com
Skyhaven Surgery Center 13 Health Care Drive, Rochester (603) 509-9161 frisbiehospital.com/locations/ skyhaven-surgical-center
Stratham Ambulatory Surgery Care 4 West Road, Stratham (603) 772-2076 / strathamasc.com
Surgery Center of Greater Nashua 10 Prospect St., Suite 101, Nashua (603) 578-9909 surgerycenternashua.org
Wentworth Surgery Center, LLC
FOCUSED CARE
If you’re not a member of a Martin’s Point Generations Advantage plan yet, the good news is that you can be soon. With Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period coming right up, you’ll have the opportunity to join over 73,000 New Hampshire and Maine seniors who are already enjoying the quality and savings provided by these highly rated plans.
Additionally, you may not need to wait until January 1, 2025, to start your coverage. Many people experience life changes that qualify them to enroll in a Generations Advantage plan during a Medicare “Special Enrollment Period.” Turning 65, moving to a new area or losing employer health insurance are just a few of the changes that could allow immediate enrollment.
No matter when you’re able to change your coverage, trying to sort through all the information coming your way during this busy Medicare season can feel overwhelming. Here are some key things to consider when choosing a plan:
Comprehensive Coverage: Want an all-in-one plan? Our Medicare Advantage plans cover all the services in Original Medicare Parts A (hospital stays) and B (doctor visits) plus Part D (prescription drugs) and even more. All our plans cover emergency and urgent care worldwide.
Extra Benefits That Go Beyond:
Looking for dental, eyewear, hearing aids, over-the-counter items, wellness items and services, and more? Original Medicare doesn’t cover these, but Generations Advantage plans do and can save you thousands on these needed items.
Provider Choice: Your doctors probably already participate in our wide network of over 15,000 providers that include all major health care systems in New Hampshire and Maine. And most of our plans also offer out-of-network flexibility.
Local Service: As New Englanders, we deliver the kind, respectful and caring service that you expect and deserve.
Quality: Medicare’s annual Star Ratings assess the quality of Medicare Advantage plans. Researching these ratings at Medicare.gov can be a good place to start. Generations Advantage’s Star Ratings are among the highest in New Hampshire and Maine year after year, including excellence for service and plan quality.
Affordability: When considering overall costs, factor in premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and annual out-ofpocket caps. Our Medicare Advantage plans feature $0 low monthly plan premiums and copays/coinsurance, no medical or hospital deductibles, and low yearly limits on member costs.
Commitment: As a local, nonprofit health care organization, our priority is to improve the health of the communities we serve. It’s this commitment to our family members, neighbors, and friends — the people who live and work beside us in New Hampshire and Maine — that makes the difference.
We invite you to discover how a Generations Advantage plan could be the best choice for your health and your budget. Learn more at MartinsPoint.org/NHMag or call us today at 1-833-378-0836 (TTY: 711) if you have questions about Medicare, Generations Advantage, or how to enroll. We’re waiting to lend a hand.
Already a satisfied member? Please spread the word and refer a friend! We appreciate the privilege of serving you (and more of our neighbors) in the years ahead.
Riverglen House of Littleton 55 Riverglen Lane, Littleton (603) 444-8880 / riverglenhouse.com
FOCUSED CARE
BY KRISTIN MATTHESON AND KELLEY KENNEDY
COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT BUILD YOURS WITH SILVERSTONE LIVING
You’ve reached retirement. You worked so hard to get to this point, but if you are on a solo journey there may be more to consider.
An estimated 22 million people over the age of 50 are considered “Solo Agers,” and it is important to know your options as you coast into your golden years. Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult, and having a strong support system in place can make all the difference.
Are you part of a neighborhood where everyone helps and looks out for one another? Do you have a network of close friends that have regular check-ins? If you are not surrounded by family, a spouse/partner or friends nearby, who will help map your journey? Whether you are living within a “traditional” support system, or you are going it alone, planning well means living well.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), sometimes referred to as Life Plan Communities, are becoming a popular retirement choice as people plan for their long-term care needs. These Life Plan Communities offer independent living options focusing on active, healthy living with the security of on-site health care services should they be needed in the future. This means
you will receive the care you need if and when your health changes provided by the people you have come to know and trust.
Choosing a Life Plan Community has many unique financial, health and social benefits and may be just what you have been searching for. With amenities such as housekeeping, restaurant dining, fitness classes, trips, cultural activities, indoor and outdoor maintenance all included, you can now focus on the things you love or explore new activities. By planning for your later years now, you can live life to the fullest without worry.
If you have considered living in a close-knit community surrounded by peers who quickly become “family,” or if your goal is to remain in your home with an advocate by your side who will manage and coordinate services when needed, you have choices with Silverstone Living. We invite you to visit Hunt Community and The Huntington at Nashua, both located in Nashua, NH, twice voted ”The Best Place to Live” by Money Magazine. To learn more about At Home by Hunt, visit our events page at www.silverstoneliving.org or call 603-821-1200. Silverstone Living is a family of nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that offers Life Plan options to fit your needs as you grow older. ●
Kristin Mattheson is director of sales and marketing for Silverstone Living, and Kelley Kennedy is executive director for At Home by Hunt.
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT SILVERSTONELIVING.ORG OR CALL (603) 821-1200.
NEW HAMPSHIRE ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER
WHY AM I HAVING KNEE PAIN?
Many patients limp into my clinic due to knee pain. Sometimes their pain is caused by an injury, such as a fall or a twisting injury. In these cases it is important to get an xray to look for a fracture and perform a physical exam to evaluate the ligaments and other soft tissue structures in the knee.
However, a lot of patients are also limping due to chronic pain that was not caused by an injury. Their pain started slowly and “out of the blue.” Many times it keeps them awake at night and is a constant sore. This pain is often caused by arthritis within the knee. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which is due to “wear and tear” within the knee. But what does that mean?
Inside your knee you have cartilage that covers the end of your bones. This cartilage is a thin layer that helps provide a smooth gliding surface during knee
motion. But over time, this cartilage can wear down and become thin. With enough time, the cartilage can disappear completely, leaving you with “bone on bone” arthritis. Without the protective cartilage layer, the bones rubbing together causes pain and inflammation. This can also cause feelings of stiffness, instability, and clicking or catching inside the knee.
Arthritis is typically seen with routine xrays, which show how much cartilage is left between the bones. Xrays can also show the presence of bone spurs around the joint, which are abnormal growths of bone caused by the inflammation from arthritis. Advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT scan are not typically needed.
Treatment depends on the severity of the arthritis. Sometimes a short period of antiinflammatories and rest will improve the pain. For more severe
cases, a steroid injection into the knee can reduce the inflammation and improve pain. If these treatments fail, then a knee replacement is a good option.
A knee replacement is a surgery where the worn-down cartilage in the knee is removed and replaced with a metal implant. This helps improve motion and decrease pain. Some patients are able to go home the same day as surgery, though most will stay a night or two in the hospital to work with physical therapy and ensure
their pain is controlled.
Recovery after a knee replacement depends on a lot of factors, but most patients are able to walk immediately and make big improvements pain and range of motion within the first 2 months. After the first few months of rapid improvement, most patients will continue to experience a slow and steady recovery for about 1 year. Once fully recovered, there are no limitations in your activity. The goal of a knee replacement is to get you back to doing what you love. ●
Daniel C. Wilson, M.D., is board eligible for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He specializes in orthopaedic trauma and joint replacement surgeries. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, VISIT NHOC.COM OR CALL (603) 883-0091.
